NSW Vocational Training Tribunal
Electrical Industry Trades
 Electrical (Electrician)
 Electrical (Electrical Machine Repair)
 Electrical (Switchgear and Control Gear)
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR
TRADE RECOGNITION APPLICANTS
August 2011
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Information Guide_Trade Recognition Applicants_Electrical Industry Trades_Final.doc
© NSW DEC 2011
August 2011
P 2 of 9
DEMONSTRATING YOUR TRADE SKILLS
Evidence of trade skills and practical experience:
If you are seeking recognition in one of the electrical industry trades, you must provide
evidence that demonstrates your skills, training, practical experience and duration of
employment in the trade of at least four (4) years. Supporting evidence should include:
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Work related references from employers and/or trade qualified supervisors confirming the
duration of employment in the trade and detailing the type of work you have performed,
procedures applied and tools and equipment used related to the trade for which you are
applying. Note: References must be on your employer’s letter-head, signed and dated.
Either job journals, work diaries, log books, photographic evidence or work experience records
that illustrate the type and extent of trade work you have performed.
Certificates and/or achievements of formal training related to the trade including any skill
development profiling records or reports. Testimonials of trade skills may also be used.
Employment records in the trade and any other evidence demonstrating that you are
experienced, adequately trained and competent to do trade work.
Trade recognition application and assessment process:
Self
Assessment
Complete the NSW Vocational Training Tribunal
(VTT) ‘Application for a Recognised Trade
Certificate’ and ensure that all the supporting
evidence relates to the trade requested.
Lodge your application with the VTT Unit or State
Training Centre (STC) with the required fee.
If all evidence required is included, your application
will be submitted to the VTT for assessment
The VTT will assess your Application for Trade
Recognition against the required skills, experience
and duration of employment in the trade and make
a determination.
The VTT may determine to:
 Approve or refuse your application, or
 Request more information, or
 Invite you to interview to obtain more detail, or
 Arrange further investigation/assessment of
your skills & experience at your workplace, or
 Request you to do a Trade Test (See Page 6).
Vocational Training Tribunal (VTT)
Assessment and Determination
Lodge
Application
Use the ‘Self-Assessment’ checklist to confirm:
Refer to the Electrical Industry Trades outlined on
Page 4 and 5 and consider the description of work
and skill requirements of each trade.
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Which trade relates to your skills & experience, and
That your evidence will support trade recognition in
that trade.
Applicants APPROVED by the VTT with appropriate and sufficient trade skills, training and experience in the
trade of at least four (4) years will be issued with a:
 Certificate of Proficiency – if you have been awarded the relevant qualification by an RTO, or
 Craft Certificate – if you have NOT been awarded the relevant qualification by an RTO.
Information Guide_Trade Recognition Applicants_Electrical Industry Trades_Final.doc
© NSW DEC 2011
August 2011
P 3 of 9
SELF ASSESSMENT – ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY TRADES
Electrical Industry Trade – Classifications and Skill Requirements:
Electrical industry trade employees in NSW are involved in a range of specialised trade work.
Different trade classifications are declared for these trades in NSW based on the type of work
undertaken. Following is a description of the different electrical industry trade classifications and a
list of the skill requirements for each trade.
Consider the descriptions and skill requirements of each specialised electrical industry trade
classification and use the checklist to confirm which trade matches your skills and experience.
Electrical Trade
Classifications in
NSW
Description of Trade Work and Skill Requirements
 Electrical
(Electrician)
Trade
Electrical (Electrician) trade workers select, install, set up, test,
fault find, repair and maintain electrical systems and equipment
in industrial, commercial and domestic settings.
[License required
in NSW]
Core skill requirements include:
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Self
Assessment
Check List
I can provide
evidence for
these skills
with my
application:
Dismantle, assemble and fabricate general electrical components as
well as fix and secure electrical equipment
Solve problems in extra-low voltage single path circuits, multiple path
direct current circuits, electromagnetic circuits and in single and
three phase low voltage circuits
Use electrical drawings, diagrams, schedules and manuals.
Specialised skill requirements include:
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Lay wiring and terminate accessories for ELV
Install wiring and accessories for low voltage (LV) circuits (including a
range of LV power cables, data cables and cable support systems
such as metal and non-metal conduit/trunking and underground
systems)
Install LV electrical apparatus and associated equipment (including
switchboards, circuit protection devices, power/heating and lighting
apparatus, AC/DC motors, transformers and associated controls)
Select and arrange equipment for general electrical installations
(including design, install & termination of consumer mains, submains & final sub-circuits AND experience with the MEN wiring
system)
Find and repair faults in electrical apparatus and circuits (including
fault finding LV power and control circuit wiring as well as
mechanical repairs to electrical gear)
Develop and connect control circuits
Verify compliance and functionality of general electrical installations
(must include testing of insulation, earth continuity/resistance,
polarity & fault-loop impedance testing).
Information Guide_Trade Recognition Applicants_Electrical Industry Trades_Final.doc
© NSW DEC 2011
August 2011
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P 4 of 9
Electrical Trade
Classifications in
NSW
 Electrical
(Electrical
Machine
Repair)
Trade
[NON Licensed
trade]
Description of Trade Work and Skill Requirements
Self
Assessment
Check List
Electrical (Electrical Machine Repair) trade workers maintain and
repair electrical machines and associated controls within a
variety of industrial and commercial contexts. They overhaul,
repair and rewind motors, transformers and control gear.
I can provide
evidence for
these skills
with my
application:
Core skill requirements include:
Specialised skill requirements include:
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 Electrical
(Switchgear
& Control
Gear) Trade
[NON Licensed
trade]
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(Same as core skill requirements for Electrical (Electrician) Trade)
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Wind coils (including selection of wire and insulation to specifications
and set up /operation of winding machines)
Place and connect coils (including insulation preparation, coil
forming, interconnection and termination)
Rewind and repair of single phase and three phase low voltage
induction machines (including dismantling, repair and re-assembly of
machine components, stator preparation, winding specifications,
winding types and connections)
Conduct electrical tests on LV machines (including fault finding of
single & three phase motors and/or transformers and testing
methods used to verify electrical safety and operation)
Disconnect and reconnect fixed wired LV electrical equipment
(including isolation procedures, testing prior to reconnection).
Electrical (Switchgear & Control Gear) trade workers construct,
assemble and wire switchboards and electrical control panels.
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I can provide
evidence for
these skills
with my
application:
Core skill requirements include:
(Same as core skill requirements for Electrical (Electrician) Trade)
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Specialised skill requirements include:
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Assemble, mount and connect switchgear and control gear including
make-up and assembly of bus bars (requires selection and placement
of protection and control components, assemble and termination of
bus bars)
Assemble and wire control panels (including panel wiring techniques,
selection of components and circuits for specific electrical motor /
transformer control applications)
Overhaul and repair switchgear, control gear and mechanical
components of electrical machines (including fault finding)
Assemble and connect communication frames and cabinets
Enter and verify operating instructions of microprocessor equipped
devices (including functions & parameters, testing)
Develop, enter and verify programs for Programmable Logic
Controllers (including PLC ladder instructions for control systems,
connection and testing of external control devices)
Disconnect and reconnect fixed wired LV electrical equipment
(including isolation procedures, testing prior to reconnection).
Information Guide_Trade Recognition Applicants_Electrical Industry Trades_Final.doc
© NSW DEC 2011
August 2011
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P 5 of 9
TRADE TEST PROCESS, SUPPORT AND DETAILS
Trade Test Process and Support:
If the Vocational Training Tribunal (VTT) requires you to do a Trade Test, the following process will
be applied and support will be provided to ensure you have every chance of success.
Trade Testing is designed to assess a broad sample of knowledge and practical skills related to the
electrical industry trade that matches your skills, training and experience. Results of the Trade Test
will provide the VTT with additional information to support your application for trade recognition.
The VTT requests you to undertake a Trade Test.
If you decide to proceed with the Trade Test you will need to
pay the required Trade Test fee. Once the fee is paid the VTT
will arrange a Trade Test with a TAFE NSW College.
TAFE NSW will contact you about the Trade Test and make
arrangements for you to receive information about the
Trade Test and assistance provided by the College.
Please consider the Trade
Test details on the following
pages to assist with your
decision and preparation for
the Trade Test.
Trade Test help includes:
 Interpreter services at
your request.
 Adjusting
assessment
methods for those with a
disability or learning
difficulty.
You should arrange to
familiarise yourself with the
College workshop facilities &
equipment prior to the test.
You will be required to attend the Trade Test at a date and
time scheduled by the College. The Trade Test will be
supervised by a technical expert who will be assessing your
practical skills and knowledge related to the Trade.
A report on your achievements in the Trade Test will be
submitted to the VTT following the test.
The VTT will consider your Trade Test achievements, advice
provided by the TAFE NSW College technical expert and your
application and either:
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Approve your application and issue a Craft Certificate.
Refuse your application and recommend you undertake
further training and experience in the trade.
Information Guide_Trade Recognition Applicants_Electrical Industry Trades_Final.doc
© NSW DEC 2011
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You are required to bring
your own safety gear
such as proper footwear,
safety glasses & clothing.
You may bring your own
tools, meters, equipment.
Your College Trade Test
supervisor / assessor will NOT
be able to give you feedback
on your achievements in the
Trade Test UNTIL AFTER the
VTT has reviewed the results
and provided you with a
WRITTEN RESPONSE to your
application for recognition.
If you are seeking recognition
in a full national qualification
related to the Trade, TAFE
NSW offers recognition (RPL)
services such as the Skills
Express RPL process for
Electricians. You should be
employed in the trade to
facilitate this process.
August 2011
P 6 of 9
Trade Test Details:
Trade Tests for the electrical industry trades will take place at a TAFE NSW College determined by
the VTT. The test is supervised by a TAFE NSW technical expert and is usually conducted in one day
taking approximately 5 to 6 hours to complete.
The Trade Test is in two parts (Part A – Knowledge Test and Part B – Practical Skills Test). Details of
each part have been described below to assist you to prepare for the test. You should familiarise
yourself with knowledge requirements and the practical skill requirements of your selected trade.
PART A:
Electrical Knowledge Test
The electrical knowledge test is designed to provide evidence that you can apply basic electrical
trade knowledge to circuits and equipment to a level that meets acceptable requirements of
electrical industry trades.
The electrical knowledge test covers core knowledge requirements across the three
electrical trades outlined in this document. The test includes:
Knowledge Task
Basic dc circuits –analysis,
connection and
measurement.
Basic single and three
phase circuits – analysis
and measurement.
Detail
- Single and multiple path dc series and parallel circuits:
calculations of current, voltage and resistance and meter
connections / readings.
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Transformer connections,
analysis and
measurement.
Basic circuits for electrical
machines and controls.
Electromagnetic effects in
ac circuit components.
Electrical equipment
testing and connection.
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Single phase ac circuits: calculations of voltage, current and ac
power
Phasor relationships & analysis: current & voltage in ac
resistive, inductive, capacitive circuits
Three phase supply: line and phase voltage measurement and
socket outlet polarity.
Star (Wye) and Delta connections of single phase transformers
to a three phase supply
Transformer turns, voltage and current ratios;
Single phase transformer winding connections.
Basic dc motor connections and analysis
Basic single phase and three phase ac motor connections
Basic three phase ac motor starter circuit connections (main
and control circuits).
Adverse effects of electromagnetic induction
Inductors and inductance
Magnetic poles of machines and solenoids.
Mandatory testing of electrical equipment including continuity,
earth and insulation resistance
Using appropriate electrical test equipment and range
selection.
The following references may help you to prepare for the Knowledge and Practical Skills tests.
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Jenneson & Harper, 2010, Electrical Principles for the Electrical Trades, 6th Ed, McGraw Hill
Hampson & Hanssen, 2008, Electrical Trade Principles : a Practical Approach, 2nd Ed, Pearson
Pethebridge & Neeson, 2010, Electrical Wiring Practice, 7th Ed, Volumes 1 & 2, McGraw Hill
Information Guide_Trade Recognition Applicants_Electrical Industry Trades_Final.doc
© NSW DEC 2011
August 2011
P 7 of 9
PART B:
Practical Skills Test
The practical skills test includes a number of tasks designed to assess a broad range of practical
trade skills to a level that meets acceptable requirements of each of the electrical industry trades.
The practical skills tests outlined below cover the requirements of each of the three
electrical trades outlined in this document.
PLEASE NOTE:
Only consider tasks & detail of the Practical Skills Test relevant to your trade application
Electrical (ELECTRICIAN) Practical Skills Test
Practical Task
Cable preparation and
jointing techniques.
Flexible cable termination
and polarity.
Selection and connection
of circuit protection
devices – single phase.
Installation of low voltage
enclosed wiring system –
cables installed in conduit.
Installation of low voltage
un-enclosed wiring system
– cables installed on a flat
surface.
Isolation, disconnection,
testing and reversal of a
three phase induction
motor.
Electrical testing of
equipment and circuits to
verify safety compliance
and operational integrity.
Detail
- Preparation of cables to fit lug types (essential to ensure lug is
mechanically sound and electrically safe)
- Soldered termination of stranded cables.
- Preparation of flexible cable to fit plug and socket to
specifications
- Terminations mechanically sound, electrically safe and polarity
in accordance with standards.
- Selection of suitable circuit protection devices for single phase
circuits in a domestic installation
- Connection of circuit protection devices at a distribution board
– MEN system.
- Select and wire appropriate cable type and cable size for an
enclosed wiring system connecting LV single and three phase
socket outlets
- Selection and preparation of metallic and non-metallic conduit
types and accessories including conduit bending, setting and
support
- Use of appropriate mandatory testing procedures and test
equipment to ensure the safety and integrity of the cables,
conduits and socket outlets prior to connection to the supply.
- Selection and wire appropriate cable type and cable size for an
un-enclosed wiring system connecting LV single phase mixed
power and lighting circuit (correct connection and polarity)
- Correct cable preparation, termination and installation support
of cables and accessories
- Use of appropriate mandatory testing procedures and test
equipment to ensure the safety and integrity of the cables and
accessories prior to connection to the supply.
- Correct isolation, disconnection and connection (including
connections required to reverse direction)
- Select appropriate test equipment and apply electrical tests to
ensure safety and correct motor operation.
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Selection of appropriate test equipment, meter range selection
and testing procedures to test:
o Continuity, polarity and insulation resistance
o Continuity and insulation resistance of Class I and
Class II equipment
o Single phase power and lighting circuit installation
prior to connecting to supply.
Information Guide_Trade Recognition Applicants_Electrical Industry Trades_Final.doc
© NSW DEC 2011
August 2011
P 8 of 9
Electrical (ELECTRICAL MACHINE REPAIR) Practical Skills Test
Practical Task
Application of practical
knowledge to general
machine repair.
Sizing winding conductors
and determining coil turns
for a rewind.
Pre-winding preparation
for a three phase
induction motor rewind.
Prepare and fit winding
insulation, wind and place
coils for a rewind.
Connect stator coils of a
three phase induction
motor.
Winding tests and general
fault tests related to
electrical machines.
Detail
- Motor winding and winding insulation types including coil
winding characteristics and basic calculations related to single
& three phase motors
- Single and three phase motor components, typical faults and
fault remedies.
- Use of appropriate equipment, wire gauge and insulation
charts to determine coil turns, conductor size and temperature
ratings of insulation for a motor rewind.
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Use of appropriate equipment and techniques to determine
poles and stator slots from name plate details
Calculation of coils per pole, coils per group and identification
of coil span from appropriate Chord Factor data sheets.
Measure, cut and fold and correct slot insulation
Wind and place coils
Use appropriate techniques to avoid insulation / coil damage.
Identify starts and finishes of coil windings
Connect coils in star (wye) configuration and with correct
polarity for the three phases
Solder and insulate joins and lace windings.
Selection and use of appropriate test equipment to test coil
continuity and insulation resistance
General fault testing methods to find short and open circuits
on stator windings, rotor bars, armatures and earth faults.
Electrical (SWITCHGEAR & CONTROL GEAR) Practical Skills Test
Practical Task
Manufacture copper bus
bar.
Assemble and connect a
three phase induction
motor starter.
Detail
- Use appropriate tools, materials and equipment – manufacture
a copper bus bar to predetermined specifications.
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PLC (Programmable Logic
Controller) ladder
diagrams.
Isolation, disconnection,
testing and reversal of a
three phase induction
motor.
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Use appropriate tools, equipment and circuit diagrams
Selection and mounting of correct circuit breakers, fuses,
contactors, overload / timer relays and other external control
devices for a three phase induction motor starter assembly;
Selection, wiring and termination of correct circuit conductors
for power and control circuits
Pre-test of circuit safety and operation prior to connection to
supply.
Conversion of schematic circuit diagrams to PLC ladder
diagram including correct address labeling of input and output
devices.
Correct isolation, disconnection and connection (including
connections required to reverse direction)
Select appropriate test equipment and apply electrical tests to
ensure safety and correct motor operation.
Information Guide_Trade Recognition Applicants_Electrical Industry Trades_Final.doc
© NSW DEC 2011
August 2011
P 9 of 9